Saddleworth West and Lees Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani backs a Liberal Democrat idea to support frontline Covid-19 workers in Oldham Borough.  At the next full meeting of Oldham Council (15 July), he will propose an amendment to a Labour motion on care workers. 

The Liberal Democrats in Oldham believe the administration motion does not go far enough.  They want to reward frontline Covid-19 workers for their bravery and professionally.  Not just financially, but also with the award of a pandemic service medal from the Government.

Councillor Al-Hamdani says: “These workers should receive an additional payment for every working day they have spent on the front-line of this crisis.  The Liberal Democrats would pay these workers an extra £29 per day.  It would be backdated to the start of the pandemic.  This would be very similar to what military personnel receive during active service in war.”

Councillor Al-Hamdani goes further: “These local heroes should be able to access a free 24-hour telephone support service provided by the Government.  Should the worst happen, they should also be entitled to a state-funded funeral should tragically they die from a condition related to Covid-19.”

Councillor Al-Hamdani’s ambition is backed by his Crompton colleague, Councillor Louie Hamblett. Commenting, Councillor Hamblett says: “This nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to NHS, care and key workers for their extraordinary service in saving lives and delivering services in these extraordinary times. Whilst we support the original motion, the Oldham Liberal Democrats believe that it needs to address the fact that workers in the NHS and Care sectors should, and must, be properly rewarded for their efforts.

“I would also add that I find it abhorrent that many people who have chosen to make a life here in our country and work in our brilliant NHS and Care sectors are still being financially punished and bogged down by a brutal bureaucratic system which they struggle to comprehend. They just want to get on with their lives and jobs and make their personal contribution to eradicating this dreadful disease and building back better.”

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